David Falk does not think LeBron James should sign with the Bulls and try to overcome the legacy of Michael Jordan. "He should not play in Chicago. He will always compete with Michael Jordan," Falk said. "He should not play in L.A. He will always compete with Kobe Bryant. LeBron needs his own identity. "The worst place in the world for LeBron to go is Chicago. If he doesn't win six championships, he is a failure. If he doesn't win the MVP five times, he is a failure. Every night he walks into the building he will walk past the statue of Michael Jordan. LeBron is too big. He should not have to play in the shadow of Michael Jordan." Falk does not believe that James understands how he will be perceived in Ohio if he leaves the Cavs. "I am a big LeBron James fan. But he needs to decide what he wants to do. He has all of the power. If he doesn't want to stay, fine. If he wants to go, then go," Falk said. "I don't think the people around him understand that. I don't think they understand that if LeBron James leaves Cleveland he will be a pariah, he will be a Benedict Arnold," Falk continued. "I don't think he understands the implications of his decision. If he leaves, Cleveland's economy is going to tank, he is that important. He is in a unique situation. Do you think if Dwyane Wade leaves Miami and goes back to Chicago anybody in Miami is going to hold it against him? But if LeBron James leaves Cleveland and goes somewhere else he will be a pariah in the entire state of Ohio." http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/frank_hughes/05/28/jordan/
I agree with all of this. Not that he won't find success in Chicago, but rather what he will (or will not do) to Cleveland. This guy is to Cleveland as Griffey was to Seattle back in the 90's, and more. He'd further ruin that already-decrepit city.
LeBron will win wherever he goes, the issue is how many rings. Personally I think he will attract free agents (etc.) every year. The Bulls can also move around some contracts I suppose.
Exactly, he has to win at least 3 championships for conversations to start about him joining the MJ/Kobe league.
I agree, it'll be interesting to see what Wade does, as well as Carmelo next year, those two will be the only 2 for long term that will stand in the way of LeBron. (Kobe will for the next 3 years I believe)
I think he could go ringless if he stays in Cleveland. Talk about a test of loyalty vs. wanting the best roster around him.
I'm not buying. Not hardly. The Lebron James-Michael Jordan connection has a ton of possibility from a marketing standpoint for both of them. I would be willing to be the house that there are many, many people at Nike already working on a joint marketing campaign. I'm not taking Faulk at his word. He has to defend against the perception that he would push agents to big markets. Both Jordan and Lebron will make boatloads from James joining the organization.
